Kenmare

Biddy’s Day – Imbolc

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The Biddy is honoured every year in the mid-Kerry region, with Biddy groups visiting rural houses and public houses, carrying a Brídeóg with them, to ensure evil spirits are kept away from humans and animals alike for the coming year. Sometimes compared to the Wren Boys and Straw Boys, the Biddys go way back with its heritage being a mixture of Christianity (St Brigid) and ancient celtic traditions (Imbolc), celebrated traditionally on February 1st, Imbolc is one of the four Celtic festivals along with Lá Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain. Traditionally, a visit from the Biddy guaranteed good luck, fertility, prosperity and to not receive a visit was considered a terrible sleight.